Healthy Weeknight Meal Plan (#20)

So there we have it, folks – 20 weeks of healthy weeknight meal planning.  Wow, that sure went by in a hurry.  I’m having so much fun planning the book and it will include extras like shopping lists, calorie counters, healthy school lunch suggestions and even a list of healthy substitutions you can make for everyday ingredients that will save you calories and provide those important nutrients.

Until then, don’t forget you can visit this collection for inspiration any time.  We all need help in the kitchen and I’m so thankful to my talented blogger friends who have participated in bringing you these healthy dinner ideas!  I think this final plan will be one that you’ll pin to your fridge because it really rocks!

MONDAY

Spicy Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Jalapeno and Zucchini  |  Peas and Crayons

Jenn’s posts are always fun to read because she’s got a fantastically, quirky sense of humor.  I love that she gives vegan and gluten-free options to these burgers as well.   Burgers are a real passion with Jenn and this latest creation is one of her best.  It’s super popular on Facebook and the flavors are going to blow your mind.  I won’t spoil the surprise for you.  Pop over and see the deliciousness for yourself!

TUESDAY

Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Rice with Cauliflower Rice |  Half Baked Harvest

This easy and scrumptious dish is ready in 40 minutes and all it requires is tossing the chicken in the oven with apricot preserves and Russian dressing.  Wow!  Just thinking of those two ingredients together has me so curious about the taste.  It’s got to be amazing.  The rice takes no time at all so this dinner can be done with one eye closed!

WEDNESDAY

Spring Vegetable Tagliatelle  |  Simply Fresh Dinners

This recipe calls for fiddleheads but you can easily substitute asparagus and I’ve included a little bit of it in the dish.  If your family needs more ooomph, feel free to add chicken or shrimp.  Your healthiest pasta choice is quinoa pasta.  I cheated on this because I was craving some tagliatelle.  Your tummy will thank you for this fresh and easy recipe.

THURSDAY

Steak Cobb Salad with Caramelized Onion-Yogurt Dressing  |  Yes To Yolks

I just discovered Molly’s beautiful blog this week and I’m loving this salad!  She is all about making her salads interesting and I couldn’t agree more.   It’s important not to get lax in our creativity because you’ll find that salads will quickly go to the bottom of your list if they don’t scream ‘I’m amazing, eat me!” on your plate.  This recipe does that and much more.  Visit her blog for tons of inspiration on your healthy eating journey!

FRIDAY

Fish Tacos with Strawberry Avocado Salsa |  Flavor the Moments

I also discovered Marcie’s blog this week although I had seen her appetizing creations on Facebook.  The minute I saw the word strawberry I wanted to know more.  How fresh and fabulous is this dish?! Lime, cilantro, jalapeno, avocado and so much more are combined with everyone’s favorite berry.  I love the crunch in these tacos and you just know you’re going to have a taste explosion in your mouth with every single bite!  This takes only 30 minutes and is a perfect way to celebrate Friday.  Besides, it’s much quicker (and healthier) than ordering a pizza.

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I’ve loved your emails and comments about this healthy meal plan series.  I’m also thrilled that it’s been helpful to so many.  Isn’t it amazing how we spend so much time fussing on what we’re going to cook for dinner each night when a little planning would remove that daily stress?  I don’t know about you but that has always been the hot topic of my work environment – what the heck am I going to make for dinner tonight?  Let’s get rid of this silly problem and save ourselves a boatload of time in the process.  Yay for meal planning!

Here’s to happy, healthy eating.  Cheers!